For many people, the appeal of boxing lies in its brute force and raw power. The sport is often seen as a display of strength and aggression. It is also a good workout that trains the whole body. However, what many people don’t realize is that boxing is also a very technical sport. Because of the repeated impact of punches on both the body and head, boxers are at high risk for developing various injuries.
This blog post will look at some of the most common injuries associated with boxing and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Hand injuries
One of the most common injuries associated with boxing is a hand injury. The bones in the hand are not meant to absorb the force of a punch, so it’s not surprising that boxers so frequently injure their hands. Fractures and dislocations are both common hand injuries in boxing. They can lead to pain, swelling, and loss of movement in the affected area.
It’s essential to wear gloves that fit correctly and offer adequate support to prevent these kinds of injuries. You should also wrap your hands before each session to help support the bones and tendons in your hands. Some coaches also recommend taping the thumb to the glove. This can help to stabilize the joint and prevent dislocation.
2. Mouth injuries
The face is a common target in boxing, so mouth injuries are pretty common as a result. The most common type of mouth injury is a laceration (cut) inside the mouth. These usually occur when the teeth come into contact with the glove. They can be quite painful and may require stitches to close.
Tooth loss is another mouth injury that can occur in boxing. This usually happens due to a powerful punch to the side of the head. Losing a tooth may require dental implant surgery to replace the missing tooth. It can be difficult to prevent mouth injuries as helmets and mouthguards can only do so much. However, wearing a mouthguard can help to minimize the risk of injuries by absorbing some of the impacts.
3. Concussions
Another common injury in boxing is concussions. About 50% of all boxing injuries are concussions, making it the most common type of injury in the sport. Most concussions result from punches to the head, but they can also occur from falls or being hit with an object. Due to the nature of the sport, concussions are difficult to avoid entirely.
However, there are some measures you can take to reduce your risk. First, make sure you’re always wearing protective headgear when sparring or fighting. Second, if you experience a concussion, take proper care of yourself afterward and give yourself enough time to recover completely before getting back into the ring.
You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions so that you can seek medical attention if necessary. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, and confusion.
4. Neck and shoulder injuries
Boxers are also susceptible to neck and shoulder injuries. The shoulder is a complex joint with many moving parts connected to the neck, so it’s not surprising that they’re so vulnerable to damage. The most common shoulder injury in boxing is a rotator cuff tear, which can be caused by repetitive punching motion or an impact from a punch. Neck injuries can also occur from repeated punches or falls.
Try to maintain good form when throwing punches and use proper padding when sparring to prevent these kinds of injuries. You should also warm up and cool down properly to keep your muscles loose and prevent strains. If you experience any pain or discomfort in your neck or shoulder, it could be a sign of an injury, so be sure to see a doctor.
5. Knee injuries
Lastly, many boxers report obtaining knee injuries. The knees are especially vulnerable to injury due to the high force they bear when throwing punches and moving around the ring. Although knee injuries can occur from any number of activities, they’re also common in boxing due to the constant movement and impact.
The best way to prevent knee injuries is to wear knee pads when sparring or fighting. Stretching and strengthening the knee muscles can also help stabilize the joint and prevent injuries. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort in your knees, as it could signify an injury.
Boxing is a sport that requires both strength and finesse. Because of the repetitive impact of punches on both the body and head, boxers are at high risk for developing various injuries. Taking proper precautions and being aware of the most common injuries associated with boxing can help keep you safe while enjoying this challenging and exciting sport.
